Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials -- February 21, 2014

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/9frArQeIWzQ" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>At Stake In Ukraine's Drama Is The Future Of Putin, Russia And Europe -- Timothy Garton Ash, The Guardian</b></span></div><br />Ukraine may yet show us that the default model of revolution has changed to one of negotiated transition<br /><br />Beyond the burning barricades and the corpses in the streets, here are five big things that are at stake in Ukraine's insurrectionary drama. They mean that what happens in Ukraine will affect not just the Ukrainians, but also Russia, Europe and our sense of what makes a revolution.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/feb/21/ukraine-putin-russia-europe-independence-disintegration">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.commentarymagazine.com/2014/02/21/a-good-deal-for-the-ukrainian-opposition/">A Good Deal for the Ukrainian Opposition</a> -- Max Boot, Commentary<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nybooks.com/articles/archives/2014/mar/20/fascism-russia-and-ukraine/?insrc=hpss">Fascism, Russia, and Ukraine</a> -- Timothy Snyder, New York Review Of Books<br /><br /><a href="http://www.latimes.com/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-ukraine-crisis-russia-role-20140221,0,2074173.story#axzz2tseORMfW">Kremlin aggravated Ukraine crisis but won't intervene, analysts say</a> -- Carol J. Williams, LA Times<br /><br /><a href="http://rt.com/news/ukraine-maidan-protest-developments-982/">From sea of flags to rivers of blood: How Kiev peaceful protest turned into Maidan mayhem </a>-- RT<br /><br /><a href="http://www.newsday.com/opinion/oped/rubin-in-ukraine-and-syria-vladimir-putin-wants-to-work-with-dictators-1.7161240">Rubin: In Ukraine and Syria, Vladimir Putin wants to work with dictators </a>-- Trudy Rubin, National Iinterest<br /><br /><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-02-21/seven-reasons-putin-wont-give-up-ukraine">Seven Reasons Putin Won't Give Up Ukraine</a> -- Peter Coy, Bloomberg Businessweek<br /><br /><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2014/02/20/putin-olympics-sochi-corruption-russia-column/5655815/">Putin's Olympic corruption</a> -- Ilan Berman, USA Today<br /><br /><a href="http://globalpublicsquare.blogs.cnn.com/2014/02/20/why-u-s-should-care-about-syria-crisis/">Why U.S. should care about Syria crisis </a>-- Nader Hashemi, Special to CNN<br /><br /><a href="http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/robcrilly/100260197/the-grinning-generals-who-highlight-flaws-in-our-afghanistan-exit/">The grinning generals who highlight flaws in our Afghanistan exit strategy</a> -- Rob Crilly, Daily Telegraph<br /><br /><a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Pacific/2014/0221/Chinese-fume-over-Obama-Dalai-Lama-meeting.-Will-there-be-blowback-video">Chinese fume over Obama-Dalai Lama meeting. Will there be blowback?</a> -- Peter Ford, Christian Science Monitor<br /><br /><a href="http://thediplomat.com/2014/02/singapores-foreigner-problem/">Singapore’s Foreigner Problem </a>-- Mark Fenn, The Diplomat<br /><br /><a href="http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/timstanley/100260605/venezuela-the-lefts-favourite-socialist-paradise-is-sliding-into-poverty-and-dictatorship/">Venezuela: the Left´s favorite´socialist paradise´ is sliding into poverty and dictatorship </a>-- Tim Stanley, The Telegraph<br /><br /><a href="http://www.newrepublic.com/article/116703/venezuela-protests-started-sexual-assault-san-cristobal">The College-Town Sexual Assault That Sparked the Venezuelan Violence</a> -- Emiliana Duarte, New Republic<br /><br /><a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Americas/Latin-America-Monitor/2014/0221/Venezuela-s-protests-The-who-what-and-why">Venezuela's protests: The who, what, and why </a>-- David Smilde, Christian Science Monitor<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cato.org/blog/understanding-protests-ukraine-venezuela">Understanding the Protests in Ukraine and Venezuela</a> -- Dalibor Rohac and Juan Carlos Hidalgo, CATO

Commentaries, Opinions, And Editorials -- February 21, 2014

At Stake In Ukraine's Drama Is The Future Of Putin, Russia And Europe -- Timothy Garton Ash, The Guardian Ukraine may yet show us that t...

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World News Briefs -- February 21, 2014 (Evening Edition)

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/XEJSbhQf40g" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Ukraine President, Opposition Sign EU-Brokered Agreement On Ending Crisis -- RT</div><br />Ukraine's President Viktor Yanukovich and opposition leaders have signed an EU brokered agreement on ending the political crisis in the country.<br /><br />The Ukrainian opposition representatives included the leader of the UDAR political party, Vitaly Klitschko, the head of the Batkivshchyna opposition party, Arseniy Yatsenyuk, and the leader of the nationalist Svoboda opposition party, Oleg Tyagnibok. <br /><br /><b><a href="http://rt.com/news/ukraine-president-opposition-sign-agreement-114/">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>MIDDLE EAST</b></span></div><br />Clashes rage in <b><a href="http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/2014/02/22/07/09/clashes-rage-in-syrian-capital-s-northeast">Syrian capital's northeast</a></b>. <br /><br />U.S., allies agree on aid <b><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-allies-agree-on-standards-for-which-opposition-groups-in-syria-will-receive-aid/2014/02/20/7b5b8b02-9a53-11e3-b931-0204122c514b_story.html">for Syrian rebels</a></b>.<br /><br />Dozens killed as mortars <b><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/02/dozens-killed-as-mortars-hit-town-iraq-201422135331552974.html">hit town in Iraq</a></b>.<br /><br />UN alarmed at spike<b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/un-alarmed-at-spike-in-executions-in-iran/1856635.html"> in executions in Iran</a></b>.<br /><br />Iran’s most sensitive <b><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/irans-most-sensitive-uranium-stockpile-shrinks-after-nuclear-deal/2014/02/20/82230d14-9a64-11e3-b931-0204122c514b_story.html">uranium stockpile shrinks</a></b>.<br /><br />Fears of Syria militancy expand <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-saudi-princemohammed-insight-idUSBREA1K0MW20140221">influence of Saudi prince</a></b>.<br /><br />Injuries reported in <b><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/02/injuries-reported-israel-palestine-clashes-201422116590836192.html">Israel-Palestine clashes</a></b>.<br /><br />Gaza's fragile ceasefire threatened by<b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/21/gaza-ceasefire-threatened-border-clashes-hamas-weak-palestinian"> border clashes as Hamas weakens</a></b>.<br /><br />Lebanon detains top suspect <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/lebanon-detains-top-suspect-in-car-bomb-campaign/1856271.html">in car bomb campaign</a></b>.<br /><br />One killed in south Yemen <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-yemen-south-protests-idUSBREA1K18C20140221">pro-independence protests: sources</a></b>.<br /><br />Iran, Britain officially resume <b><a href="http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13921202000308">diplomatic relations</a></b>.<br /><br />Turkey scraps coup plot courts<b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-turkey-courts-idUSBREA1K0WE20140221"> in battle over judiciary</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ASIA</b></span></div><br />North Korea rejects <b><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2014/02/north-korea-rejects-un-report-atrocities-201422119632432387.html">UN report on atrocities</a></b>.<br /><br />Suicide attack kills, wounds several <b><a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/21/suicide-attack-kills-wounds-several-afghan-police-/">at Afghan police complex</a></b>.<br /><br />Afghan women <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/afghan-women-campaign-for-peace/1856204.html">campaign for peace</a></b>.<br /><br />Thai Prime Minister denies corruption allegations <b><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/20/world/asia/thailand-protests/">over rice program</a></b>. Thai rice farmers give government <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/thai-rice-farmers-give-government-a-week-to-make-payments/1856234.html">a week to make payments</a></b>.<br /><br />Nepal to deploy security on <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-26285028">Everest after brawls</a></b>.<br /><br />Musharraf will not be tried <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/musharraf-not-to-be-tried-in-military-court/1856178.html">in military court</a></b>.<br /><br />South Korea to develop <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-26287527">Stuxnet-like cyberweapons</a></b>.<br /><br />Japan to review testimony of women <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-japan-history-idUSBREA1K0SU20140221">who served in wartime brothels</a></b>.<br /><br />China denounces Barack Obama's<b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/21/china-us-barack-obama-dalai-lama"> meeting with Dalai Lama</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>AFRICA</b></span></div><br />200,000 remain <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/mali-displaced-21feb14/1856590.html">displaced in Mali.</a></b><br /><br />Former Madagascar President rules <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-former-madagascar-president-rules-himself-out-of-prime-minister-job/1856826.html">himself out of PM job.</a></b><br /><br />Somali presidential HQ a<b><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/02/somali-presidential-hq-attacked-al-shabab-201422112586270319.html">ttacked by al-Shabab</a></b>. 11 die in attack by militants <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-somalia-blast-idUSBREA1K0KF20140221">on Somali president's compound</a></b>. Somalia's Shebab launch suicide attack<b><a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5imP6own5YjAFfzB22AFB8wrgBktg?docId=1d8db902-321b-4d20-9ff0-515ee97a6ddf"> on presidential palace</a></b>.<br /><br />UN chief urges rapid <b><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2014/02/un-chief-urges-rapid-reinforcements-car-2014220215313877691.html">reinforcements for CAR</a></b>.<br /><br />Poor turnout in Libyan vote for <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-poor-voter-turnout-for-libyas-constitution-drafting-body/1855978.html">constitution-drafting body</a></b>.<br /><br />With hundreds jailed, Egypt's Islamists <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/hundreds-jailed-egypt-39-islamists-demand-protest-strategy-120003334.html">demand new protest strategy</a></b>.<br /><br />Robert Mugabe celebrates 90th birthday as <b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/21/mugabe-celebrates-90th-birthday-zimbabwe-international-pariah">Zimbabwe's international pariah</a></b>.<br /><br />Zimbabwe court orders deportation <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/reu-zimbabwe-court-orders-deportation-of-former-us-congressman/1856275.html">of former US congressman</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>EUROPE</b></span></div><br /><b><a href="http://winter-games.reuters.com/">Sochi 2014: Live</a></b><br /><br />Deal signed <b><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/21/world/europe/ukraine-protests/">to end Ukraine crisis</a></b>.<br /><br />Ukrainian president and opposition<b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26289318"> sign early poll deal</a></b>. Ukraine peace deal signed, <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-ukraine-idUSBREA1G0OU20140221">opens way for early election</a></b>.<br /><br />Ukraine credit rating cut by S&P<b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-26285792"> as violence continues</a></b>.<br /><br />Ukrainian parliament votes to free <b><a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/ukraine-crisis/ukrainian-parliament-votes-free-jailed-opposition-figure-n35526">jailed opposition figure.</a></b> Ukraine’s Yulia Tymoshenko may be freed: A look at the <b><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/ukraines-yulia-tymoshenko-may-be-freed-a-look-at-the-jailed-opposition-leader/2014/02/21/b89d57b0-9b30-11e3-975d-107dfef7b668_story.html">jailed opposition leader</a></b>.<br /><br />Tears for tragic 'heroes': Funerals for victims of Ukraine's bloodshed held in Independence Square on day fragile peace deal is reached after Polish minister warns protestors: <b><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2564573/Is-end-bloodshed-sight-Deal-reached-Ukraine-crisis-week-violence-thats-left-75-people-dead.html">'You'll die if you don't sign'.</a></b><br /><br />Wounded medic whose fate gripped <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/wounded-medic-whose-fate-gripped-ukraine-tweets-im-alive/1856689.html">Ukraine tweets 'I'm alive'</a></b>.<br /><br />Anti-Kremlin protesters found guilty amid scenes <b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/21/anti-kremlin-putin-protesters-guilty-verdict-court">of violence outside court</a></b>.<br /><br />Basque separatists Eta set to take historic step <b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/20/basque-separatist-eta-historic-weapons-mariano-rajoy">by handing over weapons</a></b>.<br /><br />Italy's Renzi set to<b><a href="http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/italy-politics-idINL6N0LQ1SA20140221"> unveil new cabinet</a></b>.<br /><br />Germany arrests three suspected Auschwitz guards — aged 88, 92 and 94 — <b><a href="http://news.nationalpost.com/2014/02/21/germany-arrests-three-suspected-auschwitz-guards-aged-88-92-and-94-and-uncovers-nazi-documents/">and uncovers Nazi documents</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>AMERICAS</b></span></div><br />White House stresses Ukraine conflict <b><a href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/21/24-soldiers-receive-medal-honor-white-house/">is not “proxy” war</a></b>.<br /><br />24 soldiers to receive Medal of Honor <b><a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/white-house-stresses-ukraine-conflict-is-not-proxy-war/">from White House.</a></b><br /><br />Ignoring China's protest, <b><a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/obama-host-dalai-lama-friday-white-house-22610446">Obama hosts Dalai Lama.</a></b><br /><br />With 2015 budget request, Obama will call <b><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/with-2015-budget-request-obama-will-call-for-an-end-to-era-of-austerity/2014/02/20/332808c2-9a6e-11e3-b931-0204122c514b_story.html?hpid=z1">for an end to era of austerity</a></b>.<br /><br />Venezuela's President Maduro accuses Obama <b><a href="http://rt.com/news/maduro-accuses-obama-venezuela-988/">of inciting violence</a></b>.<br /><br />From jail, Venezuela protest leader<b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-venezuela-protests-idUSBREA1K17A20140221"> urges resistance</a></b>.<br /><br />Venezuela threatens to cut off fuel<b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/venezuela-threatens-cut-off-fuel-protest-areas-205822959.html;_ylt=AwrBEiQUvwdTszwANQPQtDMD"> to protest areas</a></b>. Venezuela sends troops to border region <b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/21/venezuela-troops-border-protests-police">as violence escalates</a></b>.<br /><br />UPDATE: Venezuela revokes <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/venezuela-revokes-cnn-press-credentials-184711546.html;_ylt=AwrBJR5woAdTSmwArCLQtDMD">CNN press credentials</a></b>. Venezuela’s President Maduro threatens <b><a href="http://www.euronews.com/2014/02/21/venezuela-s-president-maduro-threatens-to-expel-cnn-over-its-coverage/">to expel CNN over its coverage</a></b>.<br /><br />Exclusive: Argentina, Repsol to sign <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-repsol-argentina-idUSBREA1K00E20140221">$5 billion YPF deal - source.</a></b><br /><br />Thousands of extra security agents <b><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-26283966">for World Cup 2014</a></b>.<br /><br />Venture capitalist in bid to<b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-usa-california-split-idUSBREA1J22W20140220"> split California into six states.</a></b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR</b></span></div><br />Lithuania opens probe into <b><a href="http://rt.com/news/cia-rendition-prisons-terrorism-976/">‘secret CIA rendition prisons’</a></b>.<br /><br />Report: U.S. drone may have <b><a href="http://www.armytimes.com/article/20140220/NEWS/302200002/Report-U-S-drone-may-killed-Yemeni-civilians">killed Yemeni civilians</a></b>.<br /><br />Sources: Airlines warned to beware <b><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/19/us/airline-security-threats/index.html">of possible shoe bombs</a></b>.<br /><br />In Yemen, a woman's life entangled <b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/yemen-woman-39-life-entangled-al-qaida-070459824.html">with al-Qaida</a></b>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS</b></span></div><br />Global growth under scrutiny at <b><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/global-growth-under-scrutiny-at-sydney-g20-finance-meeting/1856170.html">Sydney G20 finance meeting</a></b>.<br /><br />U.S. leads pushback against <b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-g20-australia-oecd-idUSBREA1K05K20140221">emerging market angst at G20</a></b>.<br /><br />Mexico to trump Japan as<b><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/mexico-trump-japan-no-2-car-exporter-us-053738480--finance.html"> No. 2 car exporter to US</a></b>.

World News Briefs -- February 21, 2014 (Evening Edition)

Ukraine President, Opposition Sign EU-Brokered Agreement On Ending Crisis -- RT Ukraine's President Viktor Yanukovich and opposition lea...

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The Optimist's Guide to Western Housing Certainty (Musical Tribute)

The following chart shows the annual change in the semiannual average of new one family homes sold in the West Census Region.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBu2vQpu42lXNBB1NKkV9vkY96mDt3jVwJ86WY4-VNdyCuhMMrKuWa83-XHRkC5Bh6R04Jj9p6h6F6Su43rGxvlAR391zE2G-4XK4k6DtPwDkJh4jh4lKr7iCtKkRM9Z0cd8XMcE7cnOU/s1600/The+Cone+of+Western+Housing+Certainty.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBu2vQpu42lXNBB1NKkV9vkY96mDt3jVwJ86WY4-VNdyCuhMMrKuWa83-XHRkC5Bh6R04Jj9p6h6F6Su43rGxvlAR391zE2G-4XK4k6DtPwDkJh4jh4lKr7iCtKkRM9Z0cd8XMcE7cnOU/s320/The+Cone+of+Western+Housing+Certainty.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Click to enlarge.</span><br /><br />What's the worst that could happen from here? Okay, sure. The growth rate is currently negative and has been falling for 18 months. That's just this winter's East Coast's polar vortex temporarily rippling back through space and time though. Any rational optimist can see that.<br /><br />Further, we already knew that the East Coast's weather would <a href="http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/graph/?g=slJ">carry over to existing home sales in the West</a>. To think otherwise is just crazy talk!<br /><br />In all seriousness, the housing optimists better hope we not only stay in the channel but move back above 0% soon, or <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2013/08/15/report-half-of-all-homes-are-being-purchased-with-cash/?mod=e2tw">speculators may someday wish that they had embraced their fistfuls of dollars</a> instead.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/I8vFO9Bl5co" width="420"></iframe><br /><br /><b>Source Data:</b><br /><a href="http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/graph/?g=slI">St. Louis Fed: Custom Chart</a>

The Optimist's Guide to Western Housing Certainty (Musical Tribute)

The following chart shows the annual change in the semiannual average of new one family homes sold in the West Census Region. Click to enlar...

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U.S. And Allies Agree On Who Will Receive Aid In The Syrian Rebel Movement

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJm2-ybLBnzZpgV_i4i5lNBOOD0L7tgdsbedY51OGdfiBa9VG97Of8_7Pdacq-A_my5alo83I15zM4l2CpD6686qkjkcaankU5wZ_Di9LYOrBa14aJtZNiCIv5fZF7adyUvdt2ZEWkvGd7/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJm2-ybLBnzZpgV_i4i5lNBOOD0L7tgdsbedY51OGdfiBa9VG97Of8_7Pdacq-A_my5alo83I15zM4l2CpD6686qkjkcaankU5wZ_Di9LYOrBa14aJtZNiCIv5fZF7adyUvdt2ZEWkvGd7/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>U.S., Allies Agree On Standards For Which Opposition Groups In Syria Will Receive Aid -- Washington Post</b></span></div><br />The United States and its principal European and Arab allies have agreed on a unified way of providing Syrian rebel groups with aid, classifying them into those who should receive arms supplies and other assistance, those who are ineligible because of clear extremist ties, and those whose eligibility requires further discussion, according to U.S. and allied officials.<br /><br />Along with new initiatives by the United States and others to increase weapons shipments, rebel training, intelligence and other support, the plan — set during a U.S.-led meeting of intelligence chiefs here last week — is designed to overcome divisions among governments that have been deeply split over which opposition groups to aid and what to supply.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-allies-agree-on-standards-for-which-opposition-groups-in-syria-will-receive-aid/2014/02/20/7b5b8b02-9a53-11e3-b931-0204122c514b_story.html">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment: </b>While the U.S. and its allies are debating among themselves on what aid will the Syrian opposition groups receive .... the Iranians are<b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-syria-crisis-iran-insight-idUSBREA1K0TV20140221"> stepping up their military shipments</a></b> to the Syrian regime. It does not take an expert to figure out who will win in the end if this dithering on the part of the West continues.

U.S. And Allies Agree On Who Will Receive Aid In The Syrian Rebel Movement

U.S., Allies Agree On Standards For Which Opposition Groups In Syria Will Receive Aid -- Washington Post The United States and its principal...

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It's A Nice Benefit

One small bonus of working swing shift is the fact that I don't even own an alarm clock.<br /><br />I wake up naturally every day.<br /><br />No blaring music, no screaming alarm, I get to sleep until I wake up.<br /><br />I can't tell you how nice that is.<br /><br />For years I struggled to get woke up enough to get my ass to work, I am definitely not a morning person.<br /><br />They say hate is a strong word but it fits my parameters for describing how I feel about alarm clocks.<br /><br />Hate those sonsabitches.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheI1U4lVz1EJZaUQayruKMNCIjYntz3bHXv-bWDbxE9XzRBjDgGyUsxiPMEJj5ywHAp8kUG1U394JhiUvucRZXNGUA28OqNm_asqRvqcUdrfqc1KWap9bKry2hwexm8sr9mhyE_PHY_FNk/s1600/smashed-radio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheI1U4lVz1EJZaUQayruKMNCIjYntz3bHXv-bWDbxE9XzRBjDgGyUsxiPMEJj5ywHAp8kUG1U394JhiUvucRZXNGUA28OqNm_asqRvqcUdrfqc1KWap9bKry2hwexm8sr9mhyE_PHY_FNk/s640/smashed-radio.jpg" /></a></div><br />I usually get home about eleven thirty, screw around on the computer until three or four in the morning, go fall down and crash and wake up anywhere from ten to noon.<br /><br />lately it's been noon.<br /><br />Don't ya hate me?<br /><br /><br />I also normally work my homesick ass off so I am pretty beat when I get home too though.<br /><br />The wife is going to her sisters house tonight to get our taxes done and watch movies all night, then Sunday is going back to where she used to live for a retirement party for a preacher.<br /><br />That means I am not going to work Sunday for once.<br /><br />That also means I just may get to watch the Daytona 500 without a bunch of distractions.<br /><br />That's a win in my book.<br /><br /><br />Y'all have a nice day now.

It's A Nice Benefit

One small bonus of working swing shift is the fact that I don't even own an alarm clock. I wake up naturally every day. No blaring music...

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Syria's Civil War Comes Closer To The Israeli Border

<iframe frameborder="0" height="234" src="http://www.cnn.com/video/api/embed.html#/video/world/2014/02/20/pkg-robertson-israel-golan-border.cnn" width="416"></iframe><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Heavy Shelling Rocks Golan Heights Area Between Syria, Israel -- CNN</b></span></div><br />Golan Heights (CNN) -- Heavy shelling and gunfire echoed close to the Syrian-Israeli frontier at the Golan Heights on Friday as the long-running war between Syrian rebels and government forces raged in a strategic area.<br /><br />Plumes of smoke rose from Syria's southern villages, only a few miles across Israel's northern frontier, and bursts of automatic weapons fire were audible from the rocky plateau of the occupied Golan.<br /><br />In the space of a few hours Friday, a CNN team overlooking the village of Bir Ajam, less than a mile from the fence marking the frontier, saw at least 11 shells land on a community where earlier farmers had been seen and children heard playing.<br /><br />A government artillery position about a mile and a half from the village was seen to fire, and heavy machine gun fire was also heard.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/21/world/meast/syria-civil-war/">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>Update:</b> <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/syrian-air-force-steps-up-attacks-in-south/2014/02/21/4b2db9b8-9aef-11e3-8112-52fdf646027b_story.html">Syrian air force steps up attacks in south</a> -- Washington Post/AP<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> I am surprised that the Syrian civil war has not impacted the border region as much as many were expecting (myself included) when the conflict first started. But the Syrian civil war is now entering a new phase .... the killing has escalated to a levels that have not been seen before .... and the carnage is now happening throughout the country. If I was the Israelis .... I would be putting my military forces on the border to a more heightened alert .... if they are not there already.

Syria's Civil War Comes Closer To The Israeli Border

Heavy Shelling Rocks Golan Heights Area Between Syria, Israel -- CNN Golan Heights (CNN) -- Heavy shelling and gunfire echoed close to the S...

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As The Unrest And Suffering Escalates In Venezuela, Chavez's Hugo Chavez's Daughters Have Refused To Move Out Of The Presidential Palace

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilozcDTEUBnd5v7yP81k-ZvrmJDKvcB4WvwzPDXyOyvN6JGWfV780tDTfTsuaVwgQOiHWx-AmQR24-35yYybk8vESHg9I0EnTcRigU9o9wZIvug-kq1H83c7jKbMAqDa2XgV2zu8gUyJ0s/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilozcDTEUBnd5v7yP81k-ZvrmJDKvcB4WvwzPDXyOyvN6JGWfV780tDTfTsuaVwgQOiHWx-AmQR24-35yYybk8vESHg9I0EnTcRigU9o9wZIvug-kq1H83c7jKbMAqDa2XgV2zu8gUyJ0s/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Holding on: The daughters of former Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez are reportedly refusing to leave the luxurious presidential palace, and are holding 'deafening' parties there</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Hugo Chavez's Daughters Refuse To Move Out Of Presidential Palace And Hold 'Deafening' Parties As Five Die In Violent Protests On The Streets Of Venezuela -- Daily Mail</b></span></div><br />* Former Venezuela president Hugo Chavez died in March 2013<br />* Daughters Rosa Virginia and Maria Gabriela won't leave presidential villa<br />* Neighbors complain of 'deafening' parties<br />* Restaurants won't deliver over unpaid bills<br />* Meanwhile, anti-government protests rage on the streets and five people have died in clashes so far<br />* A 22-year-old beauty queen died after being shot in the head<br />* On Thursday President Maduro threatened to expel CNN from the country<br /><br />While violence rages on the streets of Venezuela, the children of former president Hugo Chavez have refused to move out of the presidential palace and turned it into a party pad.<br /><br />Rosa Virginia, 35, and Maria Gabriela Chavez, 33, are reportedly holding raucous nights in the luxurious six-bedroom villa, complete with a swimming pool and private movie theater.<br /><br />Current president Nicolas Maduro has a constitutional right to live there, but this problem may be low down his list of priorities, as civil unrest engulfs the country killing five people so far.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2564825/Hugo-Chavezs-daughters-refuse-presidential-palace-hold-deafening-parties-five-die-violent-protests-streets-Venezuela.html">Read more </a></b>....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On The Unrest In Venezuela</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-venezuela-protests-idUSBREA1K17A20140221">From jail, Venezuela protest leader urges resistance</a> -- Reuters<br /><a href="http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2014/02/21/Venezuela-anti-government-protests-rage/UPI-78601392962940/?spt=rln&or=2">Murder, terrorism charges dropped against opposition politician Lopez</a> -- UPI<br /><a href="http://www.news24.com/World/News/Venezuela-opposition-denounces-repression-20140221">Venezuela opposition denounces 'repression'</a> -- News24<br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/21/world/americas/protests-swell-in-venezuela-as-places-to-rally-disappear.html">Protests Swell in Venezuela as Places to Rally Disappear </a>-- New York Times<br /><a href="http://world.time.com/2014/02/21/paratroopers-deployed-against-venezuelan-protesters/">Paratroopers Deployed Against Venezuelan Protesters</a> -- Time<br /><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/americas/2014/02/venezuela-sends-troops-violence-hit-state-2014221142325800297.html">Venezuela sends troops to violence-hit state</a> -- Al Jazeera<br /><a href="http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/844007.shtml#.UweagYXPz1o">Venezuela deploys paratroopers</a> -- Global Times/AFP/Reuters<br /><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2014-02-21/slain-beauty-queen-mourned-in-venezuela">Slain beauty queen mourned in Venezuela</a> -- Bloomberg Businessweek/AP<br /><a href="http://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2014/02/21/Genesis-Carmona-Venezuelan-beauty-queen-shot-to-death-at-22/UPI-12041393005537/?spt=rln&or=1">Genesis Carmona, Venezuelan beauty queen, shot to death at 22</a> -- UPI<br /><a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/cnn-threatened-with-explusion-as-venezuela-protests-continues-1.1700022">CNN threatened with explusion as Venezuela protests continues</a> -- Irish Times<br /><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/21/world/americas/profile-leopoldo-lopez/">The face of Venezuela's opposition</a> -- Rafael Romo, Senior Latin American Affairs Editor/CNN<br /><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/inpictures/2014/02/pictures-venezuela-protests-esc-201422111385801202.html">In Pictures: Venezuela's protests escalate</a> -- Al Jazeera

As The Unrest And Suffering Escalates In Venezuela, Chavez's Hugo Chavez's Daughters Have Refused To Move Out Of The Presidential Palace

Holding on: The daughters of former Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez are reportedly refusing to leave the luxurious presidential palace, and...

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Parabolic Corporate Debt

The following chart shows real nonfinancial corporate business credit market liabilities per capita (September 2013 dollars).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_fr-bIfJkNFcOrtXFLaeoOSnbgqHydEHqfzo9Jggiki_Norh1gAIlNx8h-g4E75wynVG13-j7LtOCuB7ab4b-DcYFmwtvT3u-h-l-G70KC-EHrosM24Hq4tWKvpSs7b7AjhMXcNnVyA/s1600/Parabolic+Corporate+Debt.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_fr-bIfJkNFcOrtXFLaeoOSnbgqHydEHqfzo9Jggiki_Norh1gAIlNx8h-g4E75wynVG13-j7LtOCuB7ab4b-DcYFmwtvT3u-h-l-G70KC-EHrosM24Hq4tWKvpSs7b7AjhMXcNnVyA/s320/Parabolic+Corporate+Debt.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Click to enlarge.</span><br /><br />An exponential trend channel did not fit the data well at all but a parabolic trend sure did.<br /><br />Parabolic moves are not sustainable over the long-term. This is a mathematical certainty. About the only thing open for debate here is the timing of the failure(s).<br /><br />There's a reason that so few of the companies in the S&P 500 still have AAA ratings. It is not something pointed out on CNBC though. No, sir. It's just piles and piles of corporate cash that's talked about. Why won't they spend their hoard? Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.<br /><br />1. Over the short-term, we're pretty much at the top of the channel again. This data ends in the 3rd quarter of 2013. Keep in mind that 5 months have elapsed since then. This is not even remotely the ideal investment environment that we saw in 1982 (where we were right at the bottom of the trend channel with plenty of room to grow).<br /><br />2. Over the long-term, to put it bluntly, we are so @#$%ed.<br /><br /><b>March 21, 2012</b><br /><a href="http://www.financialsense.com/contributors/tim-wood/parabolic-moves-always-have-their-reasons">Parabolic Moves Always Have Their Reasons</a><br /><br /><div style="color: #666666;"><i>A parabolic advance will continue as long as there is an inflow of money to keep the move going. But, then at some point the inflow of funds begins to fade and when it does gravity sets in. It is at that point that price begins to soften. As price begins to soften the smarter money begins to exit and prices begin to soften more. In the end <span style="color: red;">all parabolic advances end pretty much the same</span><span style="color: red;"> and the late-comers to the party are typically left holding the bag</span>.</i></div><br />I can't say when the parabolic trend will fail (either in the short-term or the long-term) but I will say this. I became a permabear over debt concerns. I remain a permabear over debt concerns.<br /><br />When the @#$% hits the fan again, and it certainly will if we continue to follow parabolic debt paths, then I'd much rather be owning "bubbly" inflation protected US treasuries backed by a monetary printing press than "bubbly" corporate debt backed by <a href="http://www.cnbc.com/id/28898151">"private jets, office renovations, and custom-built commodes."</a> Of course, that's just an opinion. Your opinion may vary.<br /><br />This is not investment advice.<br /><br /><b>Source Data:</b><br /><a href="http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/graph/?g=slj">St. Louis Fed: Custom Chart</a>

Parabolic Corporate Debt

The following chart shows real nonfinancial corporate business credit market liabilities per capita (September 2013 dollars). Click to enlar...

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President Obama Meets The Dalai Lama Over Chinese Protests

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/SoSrDPK91lQ" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Obama Meets With Dalai Lama Despite China Warnings -- Reuters</b></span></div><br />(Reuters) - President Barack Obama met exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Friday in a show of concern about China's human rights practices, and in spite of warnings from China the visit would "seriously damage" ties between the two countries.<br /><br />The private meeting appeared to last about an hour, although the Dalai Lama, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was not seen by White House photographers as he entered or exited the complex.<br /><br />The White House was expected to release a statement about the meeting later on Friday.<br /><br />It was the third time Obama had met the Dalai Lama, who the White House calls "an internationally respected religious and cultural leader." Previous meetings were in February 2010 and July 2011.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-usa-china-tibet-idUSBREA1K01P20140221">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On President Obama Meeting The Dalai Lama Over Chinese Protests</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/obama-to-host-dalai-lama-on-friday-at-white-house/2014/02/20/d5d38498-9a91-11e3-9900-dd917233cf9c_story.html">Obama meets with Dalai Lama; visit rankles China</a> -- Washington Post/AP<br /><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-02-21/obama-to-welcome-the-dalai-lama-for-white-house-meeting.html">Obama Meets With Dalai Lama at White House </a>-- Bloomberg<br /><a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hwhjsgQ5IMdstOuv1RIdb0xjkj-g?docId=7f39f21b-b579-4277-a1b9-fdc7c304b025">Obama-Dalai Lama meet 'powerful message': Tibet PM in exile</a> -- AFP<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/china-demands-obama-cancel-dalai-lama-meeting/2014/02/21/536dc4dc-9aff-11e3-ad71-e03637a299c0_story.html">Obama meets Dalai Lama at White House despite Chinese objections</a> -- Washington Post<br /><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/02/21/china-dalai-lama-obama/5672589/">China angry at Obama's meeting with Dalai Lama </a>-- USA Today<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2014/02/21/china-is-angry-about-obama-meeting-the-dalai-lama-but-the-u-s-shouldnt-worry/">China is angry about Obama meeting the Dalai Lama. But the U.S. shouldn’t worry.</a> -- Anup Kaphle, Washington Post <br /><a href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_world_/2014/02/21/china_threatens_grave_damages_from_obama_dalai_lama_meeting_but_does_it.html?wpisrc=burger_bar">Does China Back Up Its Dalai Lama Threats?</a> -- Joshua Keating, Slate

President Obama Meets The Dalai Lama Over Chinese Protests

Obama Meets With Dalai Lama Despite China Warnings -- Reuters (Reuters) - President Barack Obama met exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dal...

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Oops, I forgot Ruben Last Week, But He is Staying Steady on the BillBoard Chart!

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGeHuglo-FliUv6trMYTMyEANuuSLU8_W71J1keVZWzxskDJdmkCZCkxSkZ38bRm9hPzK0koeTj7CPHo_n_MkbnbIysSZcQJ09eoEKDBKzNXPY621mBsv3dBfK72naRn6mOE2-pn4C3WZ5/s1600/bb200-20140221.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGeHuglo-FliUv6trMYTMyEANuuSLU8_W71J1keVZWzxskDJdmkCZCkxSkZ38bRm9hPzK0koeTj7CPHo_n_MkbnbIysSZcQJ09eoEKDBKzNXPY621mBsv3dBfK72naRn6mOE2-pn4C3WZ5/s1600/bb200-20140221.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yellow = Ruben, orange = Daughtry, red= Scotty</td></tr></tbody></table>It appears <a href="http://aistats.blogspot.com/2014/02/two-christian-music-idols-pop-back-onto.html" target="_blank">last week</a> I forgot that American Idol Season 2 winner, Ruben Studdard, released his new album "Unconditional Love" which debuted at #46 on the <a href="http://www.mjsbigblog.com/billboard-chart-date-02222014.htm" target="_blank">BillBoard 200 album chart</a>. I have added him to my chart as a level little yellow line which is again at #46 <a href="http://www.mjsbigblog.com/billboard-chart-date-03012014.htm" target="_blank">this week on the chart</a>. It sold <a href="http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5908250/toni-braxton-babyfaces-triumphant-no-1-return-to-top-rbhip-hop-albums" target="_blank">6,000 copies last week</a> so since it is at #46 again this week is must have sold about the same amount again this week. The two Christian artists who popped back on the chart last week, Colton Dixon and Mandisa, have popped back off, which means we are back to having Daughtry's "Baptized" and Scotty McCreery's "See You Tonight" on the chart to keep Ruben company. Scotty's position on the chart improved for the second straight week, from #160 to #133 to #106. Daughtry's position has been falling the other way, but quite slowly, from #90 to #94 to #99. Over the past three weeks, both their trajectories have been amazingly linear, which means absolutely nothing, but which I find fascinating because I am a math nerd! If the linearity continues, Scotty will be at #79 and Daughtry will be at #103 or #104 (or #105 if his slide goes from 4 to 5 to 6 positions each week). If any of that actually holds true I will be astonished and amazed!

Oops, I forgot Ruben Last Week, But He is Staying Steady on the BillBoard Chart!

yellow = Ruben, orange = Daughtry, red= Scotty It appears last week I forgot that American Idol Season 2 winner, Ruben Studdard, released h...

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Al-Shabaab Militants Launch A Suicide Attack Against The Somali Presidential Palace In Mogadishu

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ucm2nBLCEbo" width="420"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Al-Shabaab Militants Attack Somali Presidential Palace In Mogadishu -- CNN</b></span></div><br />Mogadishu, Somalia (CNN) -- Militants carried out a deadly attack on Somalia's presidential palace Friday, officials and eyewitnesses said.<br /><br />An explosion at the gate was followed by an exchange of gunfire between the fighters and security guards, police officer Abdi Mohamed said.<br /><br />A U.N. representative said in a post on Twitter that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud told him by phone that he was unharmed.<br /><br />Terror network Al-Shabaab, al Qaeda's affiliate in Somalia, claimed responsibility for the attack.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/21/world/africa/somalia-attack/">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>More News On Al-Shabaab Militants Launching A Suicide Attack Against The Somali Presidential Palace In Mogadishu</b></span></div><br /><a href="http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2014/02/shabaab_suicide_assa_1.php">Shabaab suicide assault team attacks Somali presidential compound</a> -- Long War Journal<br /><a href="http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/somalia-blast-idINDEEA1K07S20140221">11 die in attack by militants on Somali president's compound</a> -- Reuters<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/21/somali-presidential-palace-attacked-mogadishu-bomb">Somali presidential palace attacked</a> -- The Guardian/AP<br /><a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5imP6own5YjAFfzB22AFB8wrgBktg?docId=1d8db902-321b-4d20-9ff0-515ee97a6ddf">Somalia's Shebab in major suicide attack on presidential palace</a> -- AFP<br /><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/news/2014-02-21/militants-in-somalia-attack-presidential-palace-in-mogadishu">Militants in Somalia Attack Presidential Palace in Mogadishu </a>-- Bloomberg Businessweek<br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-26288846">Somali presidential palace: 'Car bomb' attack in Mogadishu</a> -- BBC<br /><a href="http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/2/21/somali-presidentattackhousealshabaab.html">Somalia: Al-Shabab attacks presidential compound </a>-- Al Jazeera<br /><a href="http://www.voanews.com/content/al-shabab-attacks-somali-presidential-palace/1856221.html">Somali President Unharmed in Palace Attack, Killing 17</a> -- Voice of America<br /><a href="http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2014/02/21/Device-explodes-at-Somali-presidential-palace-gate-president-unhurt/UPI-57561392997293/?spt=rln&or=1">Device explodes at Somali presidential palace gate, president unhurt</a> -- UPI<br /><a href="http://www.latimes.com/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-suicide-bomb-rocks-somali-presidential-palace-20140221,0,2564498.story#axzz2tseORMfW">Suicide car bomber rocks Somalia's presidential palace</a> -- L.A. Times

Al-Shabaab Militants Launch A Suicide Attack Against The Somali Presidential Palace In Mogadishu

Al-Shabaab Militants Attack Somali Presidential Palace In Mogadishu -- CNN Mogadishu, Somalia (CNN) -- Militants carried out a deadly attack...

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After Ukraine Is Russia's Putin Next?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLMUb0ODFGjzC3bv2H_amecdH5FNGsYAuCCkyWzyFqehNJr70uEi7iY-OVnxaAMvfd3g1rRNer11_HvjVu2jrZe7GGJwFpw_OgXh6R9DB9Khigz_fltbdl7PYJNwvwvKEDE74hpZMbJbS/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLMUb0ODFGjzC3bv2H_amecdH5FNGsYAuCCkyWzyFqehNJr70uEi7iY-OVnxaAMvfd3g1rRNer11_HvjVu2jrZe7GGJwFpw_OgXh6R9DB9Khigz_fltbdl7PYJNwvwvKEDE74hpZMbJbS/s1600/2013-09-12-BZSSR.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Russian and Ukrainian Presidents Vladimir Putin and Viktor Yanukovych. © RIA Novosti. Aleksey Druzjinin</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Will Ukraine's Protests Swallow Putin, Too? -- Leonid Bershidsky, Bloomberg</b></span></div><br />Two events that took place on Friday highlighted the enormous difference between Ukraine and Russia, two large, neighboring, corrupt, misgoverned East European nations whose peoples understand each other's language and share cultural references.<br /><br />In Kiev, President Viktor Yanukovych conceded defeat at the hands of protesters who had held the center of the capital for three months. After all-night talks with parliamentary opposition leaders, EU and Russian mediators, he said he would call an early presidential election in December 2014, but before that, the constitution would be amended to curb the president's powers and move toward a parliamentary republic. At the same time in Moscow, a court found eight people guilty of "taking part in mass disturbances" and violence against riot police in May 2012. The verdict, which carries prison sentences of as long as six years, sealed Russian President Vladimir Putin's victory over the protesters who accused him and his allies of rigging elections in 2011 and 2012.<br /><br />Russians, both Putin supporters and opponents, will now grapple with the question of how relevant the Ukrainian example is to them.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-02-21/will-ukraine-s-protests-swallow-putin-too-.html">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>My Comment:</b> Russian President Putin will not be the next leader to face a popular uprising. I am a Putin critic .... but even I do recognize the fact that he enjoys support from many Russians .... especially the elderly and those who live in the rural regions. His weakness is the economy .... and if the economy falls he will be facing a growing and vocal opposition movement. But for the moment .... while the Russian economy is having problems .... the budgets are balanced, there is growth, and the sentiment among many is that things are getting better.

After Ukraine Is Russia's Putin Next?

Russian and Ukrainian Presidents Vladimir Putin and Viktor Yanukovych. © RIA Novosti. Aleksey Druzjinin Will Ukraine's Protests Swallow ...

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American Idol Wild Cards - Why Do They Bother?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexDKoyrglyJt-dCXAR4s0RjG6d58wVf156W0qpO-lCThMyN2Duu-HnVLr6xlhBGcobNHlVMfBwH0_ET3iLTe34cocOdpliuJB8rWDS_ZYWyH_k-0MMZrVjAr1lfnh-I4ef6QW5FQIQ1Pb/s1600/bovado-2014-02-21.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexDKoyrglyJt-dCXAR4s0RjG6d58wVf156W0qpO-lCThMyN2Duu-HnVLr6xlhBGcobNHlVMfBwH0_ET3iLTe34cocOdpliuJB8rWDS_ZYWyH_k-0MMZrVjAr1lfnh-I4ef6QW5FQIQ1Pb/s1600/bovado-2014-02-21.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />So I have to start to figure out who the lucky 13 contestants are that are remaining on <a href="http://www.americanidol.com/" target="_blank">American Idol</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Idol_(season_13)" target="_blank">this season</a>. and that made me wonder why they decided to bring back the "wild cards" after they eliminated it last year. I do not think those extra three people have a prayer of lasting very long on the show. Let's look at the past wild card contestants and where they ended up in the show order each season:<br /><br /><u>Season 12</u>: No wild card round<br /><u>Season 11</u>: Jeremy Rosado (#12), Erika Van Pelt (#10), DeAndre Brackensick (#8)<br /><u>Season 10</u>: Ashton Jones (#13),  Naima Adedapo (#10), Stefano Langone (#7)<br /><u>Season 9</u>: No wild card round<br /><u>Season 8</u>: Jasmine Murray (#13), Megan Joy (#9), Anoop Desai(#6), Matt Giraud (#5)<br /><br />As we can see no wild card has ever placed higher than #5 in any season and even he (Matt) had to be saved. None of them have had huge post-Idol musical careers afterwards. Why do the judges even bother? Since I am still trying to figure out the top 10 fan favorites, I do not see much of a reason to even figure out who these other three people are, since I doubt they will be lasting very long.<br /><br />I have also started to look for betting odds or numbers or just about anything to report, and my old friends at <a href="http://sports.bovada.lv/sports-betting/tv-film-movie-props.jsp" target="_blank">Bovado</a> have the first list which I have above. Surprisingly, one of the wild cards, CJ Harris, is selected as one of the favorites, just barely behind Sam Woolf, and tied with MK and Majesty. I wonder why some odds makers think he is worthy of being placed up there with the favorites.  The other two wild cards, Jena and Kristen are much further down the list, with Kristen being the long shot.

American Idol Wild Cards - Why Do They Bother?

So I have to start to figure out who the lucky 13 contestants are that are remaining on American Idol this season . and that made me wonder...

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Ukraine Peace Accord Signed

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>This may lead to lower OIL and NATURAL GAS prices</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-ukraine-idUSBREA1G0OU20140221" style="color: red;">http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-ukraine-idUSBREA1G0OU20140221</a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>The stock market will likely rally on this news if indeed the ongoing Ukrainian chaos subsides.   </b><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Y1jJA1Ky9b8?feature=player_detailpage" width="640"></iframe><br /><br /><b>...developing...</b></div>

Ukraine Peace Accord Signed

This may lead to lower OIL and NATURAL GAS prices http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-ukraine-idUSBREA1G0OU20140221 The stock marke...

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Application Pôle Emploi pour mobile

<BR><br />Depuis novembre 2014, Pôle emploi offre la possibilité <span style="font-weight:bold;">d'actualiser sa situation</span> (<span style="font-style:italic;">si vous n'avez aucun événement à signaler à Pôle emploi pour le mois en cours</span>) via une application mobile.<br /><br />Elle est également conçue pour une <span style="font-weight:bold;">recherche d’emploi</span> active. L’application mobile Pôle emploi est téléchargeable gratuitement.<br /><br />Pour la recherche d'emploi, l’appli mobile Pôle Emploi permet notamment de :<ul><br /><li>Consulter les offres du site pole-emploi.fr : choix de critères de recherche ( emploi, localisation, type de contrat, expérience),<br /><li>Enregistrer des recherches avec leur critère,<br /><li>Géolocaliser les offres,<br /><li>Afficher le détail d’une offre et le mode de candidature,<br /><li>Mémoriser une offre,<br /><li>Partager/envoyer une offre (par courrier électronique = fonction envoyer à un ami),<br /><li>Accéder aux offres mémorisées.</ul><br />Pour en savoir plus, consulter le site <a href="http://www.pole-emploi.fr/actualites/smartphone-@/suarticle.jspz?id=60032">Pôle Emploi</a>.<br /><BR>

Application Pôle Emploi pour mobile

Depuis novembre 2014, Pôle emploi offre la possibilité d'actualiser sa situation ( si vous n'avez aucun événement à signaler à Pôle...

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Ukraine Is Facing Default

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Q1Ac2PDyPyU" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ukraine Faces Default As Russia Stalls -- CNN</b></span></div><br />Ukraine's plans to tap Russia for $2 billion in emergency funding have fallen apart, leaving the country sliding towards economic disaster.<br /><br />Russia said earlier this week it was ready to buy Ukrainian government bonds -- part of a $15 billion financial aid package agreed in December -- but appears to have got cold feet as anti-government protests escalated. The Ukrainian finance ministry canceled the planned bond sale late Thursday. <br /><br />At least 78 people died in clashes between protestors and security forces over the past two days.<br /><br />"It was Russia that refused to buy the bonds because Moscow said [the president] did not have control in his country," said Anders Aslund, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics.<br /><br />Ukraine desperately needs the cash because it has to repay as much as $13 billion in debt this year. <br /><br /><b><a href="http://money.cnn.com/2014/02/21/news/ukraine-economy/">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>Update:</b> <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-26285792">Ukraine credit rating cut by S&P as violence continues</a> -- BBC<br /><br /><b>My Comment</b>: In Ukraine .... the fear and panic of what may happen to the economy is everywhere. This RT post<b><a href="http://rt.com/news/panic-ukraine-shops-banks-069/"> sums it up perfectly</a></b>.

Ukraine Is Facing Default

Ukraine Faces Default As Russia Stalls -- CNN Ukraine's plans to tap Russia for $2 billion in emergency funding have fallen apart, leavi...

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Will The Ukraine Deal Last?

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/dk6nz-HjK8g" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ukraine Government, Protesters Nearing A Deal. Will It Last? -- Sara Miller Llana, Christian Science Monitor</b></span></div><br />European officials say the two sides are nearing an agreement that would include reduced presidential powers and early elections in December.<br /><br />Ukraine's President Viktor Yanukovych announced that all-night talks between the government, protesters, European Union foreign ministers, and representatives from Russia have led to a deal to end violence that has rocked this post-Soviet nation. <br /><br />Diplomats told Reuters that a compromise "involved appointing a transitional government, with a reformed constitution by September reducing presidential powers, and fresh elections by the end of the year."<br /><br />It comes as the European Union finally agreed to issue sanctions against members of the Ukrainian government.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Security-Watch/terrorism-security/2014/0221/Ukraine-government-protesters-nearing-a-deal.-Will-it-last">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>Update:</b> <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/22/world/europe/ukraine.html?_r=0">Ukraine Accord Signed, Despite Doubts in Kiev and Kremlin</a> -- New York Times<br /><br /><b>My Comment</b>: After yesterday's bloody shootout in the city center .... it looks like everyone decided to take a step back. And while I do applaud the fact that an agreement has been reached .... because the alternative is too horrible to contemplate .... I am deeply worried that it will be broken in the next few weeks/months and the cycle of violence will just continue again.<br /><br /><b>Update:</b> On a side note .... because some of my readers know that I have family in Ukraine .... they want to know if I am making plans to go to Kiev. Truth be known ... we made a decision at Christmas time to visit in August of this year .... and yes .... I will be going regardless of what is happening on the streets. I will also be visiting Russia after Ukraine .... so do not be surprise if blogging is light during that time.

Will The Ukraine Deal Last?

Ukraine Government, Protesters Nearing A Deal. Will It Last? -- Sara Miller Llana, Christian Science Monitor European officials say the two ...

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3ème édition du concours Envie d’Avenir

</BR></BR>En partenariat avec l’Oréal, <a href="http://www.planetadam-orleans.org/">PlaNet ADAM Orléans</a>, lance en 2014, la troisième édition de son concours Envie d’Avenir, pour ceux qui veulent créer ou développer leur entreprise. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknyYm2YbT-wuQuIYDmHx1VCLTN1Qnd5OOkPRJgIu2eLFb_LdQUxghqJIChBr2P8sffD2U0DentvNcf32cF2FXJsZMidLSBC_lGyBBTnym9NM7BImSEn2CYJ4qqkthlKbyCrpY3B1jgFRU/s1600/affiche+concours+envie+d'avenir+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknyYm2YbT-wuQuIYDmHx1VCLTN1Qnd5OOkPRJgIu2eLFb_LdQUxghqJIChBr2P8sffD2U0DentvNcf32cF2FXJsZMidLSBC_lGyBBTnym9NM7BImSEn2CYJ4qqkthlKbyCrpY3B1jgFRU/s320/affiche+concours+envie+d'avenir+2014.jpg" /></a></div> </BR></BR> Ce concours s’adresse principalement aux habitants des quartiers prioritaires de l’agglomération orléanaise, qui ont un projet de création d’entreprise ou qui sont enregistrés au registre du commerce depuis moins d’un an. Il s’adresse également aux personnes intéressées d’entreprendre en ZUS (Zone Urbaine Sensible). </BR></BR> <b>Trois objectifs</b> sont recherchés au travers de ce concours :<UL><li>Sensibiliser à la création d’entreprise</BR><li>Promouvoir les valeurs suivantes : créativité, autonomie et solidarité</BR><li>Valoriser le potentiel entrepreneurial des quartiers populaires de l’agglomération orléanaise</BR></UL> L’entreprise doit être en projet de création ou être créée depuis moins d’un an.</BR>12 000 euros de dotations seront réparties entre les deux catégories et les lauréats dans chacune d’entre elles. </BR></BR><b>Pour s’inscrire</b>, rendez-vous sur <a href="http://www.planetadam-orleans.org">www.planetadam-orleans.org</a> </BR></BR> Les inscriptions au concours sont ouvertes et ce <b>jusqu’au 30 mars 2014</b>. </BR></BR>

3ème édition du concours Envie d’Avenir

En partenariat avec l’Oréal, PlaNet ADAM Orléans , lance en 2014, la troisième édition de son concours Envie d’Avenir, pour ceux qui veulent...

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Before And After Images In Ukraine

<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/e12QzYotmvk" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Kiev's Maidan In Surreal 'Before & After' Images -- RT</b></span></div><br />The blackened ruins and gaping windows of Ukraine’s landmark Independence Square have left Kiev looking like a warzone for the first time since WWII. The square has always served as a main stage for Ukrainian politics – but not a literal battleground.<br /><br />Featured on every postcard, the grandiose post-war complex of monuments has been the true – if slightly touristy – heart of Kiev.<br /><br />But now, the square is divided by ad hoc barricades built from paving stones, wooden debris, and tires. The iconic Trade Union building, which has served as the protesters' headquarters, was set on fire earlier this week and is now just a shell, after its floors and walls collapsed one by one. <br /><br /><b><a href="http://rt.com/news/kiev-maidan-before-after-946/">Read more</a></b> ....<br /><br /><b>Update:</b> <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-26280752">Ukraine crisis: Before and after images</a> -- BBC<br /><br /><b>My Comment: </b>I can see a massive clean-up job in the weeks and months ahead.

Before And After Images In Ukraine

Kiev's Maidan In Surreal 'Before & After' Images -- RT The blackened ruins and gaping windows of Ukraine’s landmark Independ...

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Mob Wives: Recap Season 4 Finale, Ep 412

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJ5DF_aJoraciKtLvDqUL_9B_tSZy7Kxxonvx88tCWCs4dSFSCHvVGyyxCKgdfVSOU2h1p0tvPqzmWvB0BCuX5XyTgEofQSo3twXxPhhWoYQ-x8c-X0jFGhDahg-feWXUA2S0uvLPxYQ/s1600/playing+with+fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJ5DF_aJoraciKtLvDqUL_9B_tSZy7Kxxonvx88tCWCs4dSFSCHvVGyyxCKgdfVSOU2h1p0tvPqzmWvB0BCuX5XyTgEofQSo3twXxPhhWoYQ-x8c-X0jFGhDahg-feWXUA2S0uvLPxYQ/s1600/playing+with+fire.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Renee's New Book will be out April 8th</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Link to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Playing-Fire-Renee-Graziano/dp/0765376199">Pre-order on Amazon</a></b></div><br /><br />Let’s start off with an eye roll @@ instead of a drum roll! What the hell kind of finale was that? Just about every scene was either scripted or filler and no drama. I have to say I am very disappointed. I tried to talk to Mob Mistress, but she was no help since she fell asleep before the first commercial. I’m going to label each scene scripted or filler or both. Let’s get this over with…<br /><br />Deck the halls, it’s Christmastime. Renee, Drita show up at Ang’s door. All the delicious food comes out. Renee tells them she has been journaling and she has been writing so much it turned into a “sex” book. Renee and Drita are surprised. Renee says it’s not about her, it’s about the lifestyle, the girls the guys and loosely based on some aspects of her life. In other words the 50 moods of Renee. The publisher is throwing a big party for her. This may actually be the only piece of “new” material in the show and I’m happy for Renee. The name of her book is “Playing With Fire” and I believe it will be coming out on April 8th. This scene is also a way of promoting Renee’s book. I wish her the best of luck<br /><br />Alicia and Natalie meet for dinner. Another insufferable round of poor, poor pitiful me from Alicia. Alicia feels so alone, but never once mentions her longtime boyfriend, Rob Lascala, on the show. Can you believe it, she is still denying it. The word on the street is that he has been paying all her bills and recently bought her a Cartier bracelet to wear over the “Eddie” tattoo on her wrist. I think it’s safe to say she has moved on long ago. She feels down, defeated and anxious. I think she is a broken record. She claims she is fine by herself. She says she took her rings off the day she heard the wiretaps, she can’t get passed everything Eddie has done. What? Now she tells us? After she has been crying over the love of life, Carla and Chinese food all season long? Do you think she took off her rings and went straight into the arms of her Boo? She is still complaining about being depressed because in 48 hours she is being sentenced and the judge could send her away for 5 years. Really Alicia?  Then why does your VH1 bio say you could get 0 to 6  months or house arrest?  Which is it?  Can’t you keep your stories straight?  Scripted…and not very well.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCntdSvc4u3mZecyHNjqz_we48bnWvGrc2GVFcAXnvQqxKS1IIBVK0u7PyoGynxptwG4BmHcQRvNHFA5HPUAr0y7725irBpG7tWuWgtVgBTYaO_jrlIAO8IvLGE91UZTB2y-rUeQUABEM/s400/Mr.+LaScala.png" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Remember him from the <a href="http://mobwives.blogspot.com/2013/12/mob-wives-alicia-dimichele-garofalo_24.html">Christmas Day Blog</a>? </div><br />Ang and Drita invite Natalie over for a visit now that Renee is in a good mood. They tell her Renee was pissed off over the tweets. Natalie says she was defending Alicia. Drita and Ang are all of a sudden angry with her and defending Renee. They think Natalie should not get involved in Alicia’s issues. They want her to stop tweeting and mind her own business. Natalie says when Renee stops she will stop. Mob Wives fighting over tweets…Please. Scripted…makes me think the tweets went out and then they decided to create some drama with them.<br /><br />Renee and Ang are driving around the neighborhood looking for houses in case Ang and Neil have that baby. Like her house isn’t big enough…yeah, right! We have seen that house and it’s plenty big. They stop to look at Ang’s old house, her favorite house. Who cares? Filler Scene.<br /><br />Drita takes Giselle on a casting call for a children’s clothing line. Giselle decides she doesn’t want to be there after pestering Drita for months about modeling. I don’t know if I believe that. They want to take her picture, but Giselle won’t do it, so Drita shows her how by posing herself. Drita is disappointed. But finally Giselle comes out of her shell a little. I hope they didn’t talk Giselle into doing this just to create another…Filler scene.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpJ7bq592MpDhsAqcmAp1kLKMT820_SUgEXNS4DRzAQo4jW-_NQOYg46rfZ03fvDatJaDhZAq-bpX4h6rxbx8P8bXwzIYaWwkEK9R73V8GeGnMrxvxgBkL4EF3CQTaL5O0DcyNebeqTY/s1600/delicious.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpJ7bq592MpDhsAqcmAp1kLKMT820_SUgEXNS4DRzAQo4jW-_NQOYg46rfZ03fvDatJaDhZAq-bpX4h6rxbx8P8bXwzIYaWwkEK9R73V8GeGnMrxvxgBkL4EF3CQTaL5O0DcyNebeqTY/s1600/delicious.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>"Delicious"</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Natalie at Renee's party, yawn.</div><br />At the Central Park Restaurant, Renee, AJ and Nikki are there with a crowd to celebrate Renee’s new book party. Ang shows up with her son, AJ. Alicia and her brother go to support Renee. Drita is next to arrive. The party is on and poppin’. And last, but not least, are Natalie and London. Natalie says she has a fun surprise for all the girls tonight. Drita says Natalie better not get out of line. Renee does a reading from her book. Everyone loves the sex scene. Renee starts dancing and she looks wonderful. So Natalie gets a bright idea. She gets on stage with a fake English accent and sings her “Delicious” song. Drita looks pissed. Drta says, “Renee just has to give her a look, like take her out.” Renee says she won’t get pissed, she will take it as a tribute to her. Renee is happy that Drita and Ang are there supporting her and their friendships are still in tact. This is just more promotion for the book. I have to wonder if VH1 financed this “Delicious” song a month or two ago so it would be out there and they could use it on the show? Real book, real party, but scripted, lousy song.<br /><br />At Alicia’s house, her brother asks if she is ready for tomorrow. She says she has no choice. She wants to go over a few things with him like where all her important papers are. He is going to be looking after the boys, with their mom, if she goes to prison. Her brother does not look one bit concerned, as usual. Finally, Alicia admits she committed a crime. I thought she didn’t do anything wrong? She never cooked any books. She says, “If she ends up in prison“…yeah, right. I really believe she knows, and everyone knows, she will not be going to prison. A source of mine said she already got a plea deal and prison is off the table. I tend to believe that. Scripted scene and storyline played out to death. This storyline should be taken straight to Carto’s Funeral Home and buried.<br /><br />Ang is making a salad. AJ and Neil and the fours dogs, and AJ’s girlfriend, are all driving her nuts. Neal’s daughter Briana is there too and she is having a baby. Neil wants an old fixer upper house for the growing family, instead of the beautiful mansion they currently live in @@. Suddenly, out of the blue, Ang wants to put their baby plans on hold…on the back burner…the girls are having babies, that’s enough babies. Neil instantly agrees. Wow. Just like that. Maybe when Ang is 60 they can revisit the idea @@.  A season 4 filler storyline, entirely made up. I am up to my eye balls in BS. 100% Filler.<br /><br />Natalie and London are having a meal and she tells him she is a Philly girl. She will not move to New York, she has too much to give up. He doesn’t think about all her sacrifices. She says her dream is to get married. He says she likes to rush things, but it’s a process. She wants him to move to Philly so they can start their lives together. They are definitely not on the same page. Filler and scripted storyline to give Natalie something to do besides harass Renee.<br /><br />Drita is going to have Christmas home this year. She is talking to the girls about making carrot cake. Aleeya doesn’t like carrot cake. It’ll be the first time in a long time they are spending the holidays together. A nice little Filler scene, we all love to see Drita “the mom.”<br /><br />Alicia’s day of sentencing has finally come. It’s already been played out in the media and on social media. We know what happens. She sends her boys off to school and makes them lunches. She doesn’t know how she got to this point. I tell you how, it’s called committing a crime and getting caught. Renee prays for Alicia and sends her a supportive text. Alicia’s brother drives her to court. She says there is a small possibility she might not come home today…yeah right. Drita and Ang talk about Alicia and feel really bad for her. Oh brother…I feel really bad for me and all of us sitting through this finale, but I have to watch it and write the recap. Alicia is still blaming Eddie for her troubles. Get over it Alicia. Mostly Scripted, the going to court was real.<br /><br />Nikki calls Renee and tells her she got a phone call from her friend. It seems that Junior knows that Renee went to see an attorney. Renee is very upset. Someone leaked the news, Junior found out and he isn’t happy. Hmmm who could have leaked the info? VH1? Everyone filming the show and production knew Renee went to see a lawyer and then it was televised! No leak. Excuse me for being a skeptic, but I don’t believe Junior has been writing letters and trying to get back with Renee. We know he turned informant. We know how the mob feels about informants. It’s hard to believe he would be safe on the streets of New York and he knows it. Scripted Filler.<br /><br />Natalie shows up at court to support Alicia. What else does she have to do? She walked in alone and she left alone. I think she was just filmed on location and wasn’t even there that day. They needed her to call Drita and fill her in on what happened. Filler.<br /><br />Renee tells Drita that Junior is being released, he isn’t in the program. Somehow Junior found out Renee went to a lawyer. She says it was to protect her family. Renee hopes and prays he moves on and leaves her alone. They are all on pins and needles waiting to see if Alicia goes to prison. Scripted Filler.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKcqv14OQNxqV0EsBABIBXvzxF28jki3EI2lQN_DPa_84McL-xdme6CXRM0bP6rggooubKUCtu4J2WILmr4Sz2U1Kubt-ryvWLHi6qUePfF2y6t5em_4z9uZCY3u3jqV-LadnqLTKJ2E/s1600/leaving+court.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKcqv14OQNxqV0EsBABIBXvzxF28jki3EI2lQN_DPa_84McL-xdme6CXRM0bP6rggooubKUCtu4J2WILmr4Sz2U1Kubt-ryvWLHi6qUePfF2y6t5em_4z9uZCY3u3jqV-LadnqLTKJ2E/s1600/leaving+court.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Alicia leaves court</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Boo hoo, what will she do?</b></span></div><br />Natalie leaves court alone. No one has heard from Alicia. Natalie calls Drita. Natalie tells them you will never believe what the judge did! We already know what the judge did because Alicia tweeted it out the day it happened. Apparently, the sentencing was postponed because they couldn’t agree on the fines and restitution. Her lawyer must be fighting it. The prosecution wants $20,000 in restitution and $96,000 (her earnings from Mob Wives) in fines. This happened back in early January. Alicia says she is sick and can’t believe what just happened. No one can believe what just happened. Scripted.<br /><br />That’s the way it ends??? Seriously??? To be continued?  She couldn’t just say her sentencing was postponed until March and the delay is over money? That is the shocking ending? Come on, we can do better than this. I am so disappointed that this is the “finale.” <br /><br />Now we wait for the Reunion show. I understand all five Mob Wives will be there and they will also be in season 5. I don’t know how they can make up storylines for next season. What would they be? A Phantom Junior stalks Renee? Ang takes the baby off the back burner? Alicia is or isn’t sentenced? Drita opens another store? Natalie creates a make-up line for dead people called “Just Dead?”<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">an extra two cents...</span></b></i></div><br />This is what I want to see. I want to see the Philly chicks go home, but that’s not happening…so let’s make the best of it and get back to reality! If Alicia stays, then bring back Karen Gravano to confront her about all her lies! That’s realty! That’s keeping it real! And what about Alicia’s Boo? You know, the married guy who is so taken with her he was even on one of the episodes, in her kitchen, because he allegedly can’t stay away from her. I thought Alicia didn’t approve of Carla because she slept with a married man? Hypocrite much? How do we know Lee is working is in sports memorabilia store all day? Hmmm. Let’s get him to appear on the show. Maybe his ex-goumada should confront Drita? What is Natalie’s purpose…to be Alicia’s friend? We can do without that. How much excitement can putting makeup on dead people bring to the table? Bring in a new and REAL Mob Wife with a compelling storyline! I have my ideas for that, I’ll leave the details to the genius of Jennifer Graziano. Renee should start dating a real man, the rest of her life seems to have fallen into place. Ang will have her new grandchildren to fuss over, at least they are real.<br /><br />Thanks for reading!<br /><br />

Mob Wives: Recap Season 4 Finale, Ep 412

Renee's New Book will be out April 8th Link to  Pre-order on Amazon Let’s start off with an eye roll @@ instead of a drum roll! What the...

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